The people behind Virelle

The Founding Team

Eleven founding members shape the reading life, the editorial voice and the daily care of The Virelle Literary Society.

Founder

Emily Cannan

Founder & Executive Director

Founder of The Virelle Literary Society, guiding its vision, standards and literary culture.

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Founding members

The team

Each member leads a part of the Society — from editorial and events to community, design and operations.

Lisa E. Delgado

Director of Administration

Keeps the Society organized, coordinated and consistent behind the scenes.

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Adepoju Benjamen

Director of Finance & Operations

Oversees financial administration, operational systems and the Society's payment requests.

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Eva Arundale

Director of Events & Programs

Builds the live conversations, readings and workshops that bring readers and authors together.

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Eileen J. Clarke

Director of Marketing & Public Relations

Leads how the Society speaks publicly and how new readers and partners find us.

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Rose L. Speakman

Director of Author Relations

The Society's first point of contact for authors and literary professionals.

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Austin C. Rivera

Literary Director

Decides what the Society reads and how each book is presented for discussion.

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Jeffrey M. Chase

Director of Membership & Community

Looks after the member experience from first welcome to long-term belonging.

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William C. Odell

Director of Social Media & Content

Turns the Society's books, authors and conversations into digital storytelling.

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Johnathan S. Novak

Creative Director

Guards the Society's visual identity across every surface it appears on.

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Travis C. Nelson

Director of Website & Technology

Keeps the Society's digital platform reliable, secure and evolving.

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